Qex
PDF

QR code for a PDF

Host the PDF and paste its URL. The QR does not contain the file — it opens it. Swap the file or the destination when the programme changes.

Content

A publicly reachable PDF URL. Replace the file or this link later.
OnRecommendedScans are counted and you can change the link any time — the printed code stays the same.OffThe link is baked into the code. No scan stats, and it can't be changed after you print it.

Design

Frame

You cannot stuff a PDF into a QR

A QR holds a couple of kilobytes of text, not a multi-page document. Host the PDF (your site, Drive with link-sharing, a shop CMS) and encode that URL. Anyone claiming to “put the PDF in the code” is either lying or making an unscannable mess.

Keep the URL stable, or use our short link

If you can overwrite price-list.pdf in place, even a static code would survive. Most people cannot. A Qex destination can jump from last year’s file to this year’s without touching the flyer.

How to make a QR code for a PDF

  1. Upload the PDF somewhere publicOpen the link in a private window. If it downloads or previews without a login, it is fine.
  2. Paste that URL hereTracking on — so you can point at next month’s file.
  3. Print the code, not the PDFThe flyer carries the QR. The file stays online.

Questions

Why can’t I drop a PDF onto this page?

We would have to host the file, virus-scan it and pay for bandwidth. Linking to a file you already host is simpler and lets you replace it yourself.

Drive / Dropbox links?

Yes if they are set to “anyone with the link.” Test in a private window. A login wall looks like a broken QR.

Can I see how often the PDF was opened?

We count scans of the QR. Your host may also log downloads. Those numbers will not match exactly (some scanners prefetch).

Menu PDF or menu page?

A page is easier to read. If all you have is a PDF, this tool is the right one — and you can switch the destination to a page later.

Related QR codes

QR code for a menuPaste the menu link. The printed code is a short Qex URL, so you can swap the destination when the soup changes — the table tent stays the same.QR code for a websitePaste the URL. The QR holds a short Qex link, not the long marketing URL, so campaign parameters and seasonal pages can move without a new print run.Google review QR codePaste the review link from your Google Business Profile. Customers scan at the counter and land on the write-a-review screen — not a search result they have to hunt through.Any other QR codePaste a link on the homepage. Same builder, any destination.